Spreading Goodness: Thanks for the Award

I got an award–this one’s special because it came from someone who herself has a beautiful blog. Thank you, Allie! Part of the rules were that I have to divulge seven things about myself, then pass on the nomination to fifteen deserving writers. Fun! It’s like chain mail but with something nice attached instead of a curse. I generally try to delete chain mail before the curse scrolls up and reveals itself–just in case it has power. I always felt if I didn’t read the curse, I’d be safe. Today’s honor comes with love, and will be passed on in the same manner. So, in honor of the first “chain award” I’ve ever received, I’ll start.

Seven Things I Probably Shouldn’t Share about Myself:

1. I was the lowest scoring starting varsity player ever on my high school basketball team. Who knows, maybe someone sucks worse than I did by now, but it was a longstanding record. I was proud. I kept the trophy. People used to bring signs and give me standing ovations if I scored. The only reason I got to play at all is because of my level of dedication–I emerged as a great defensive player. It’s a lesson I never forget–defense is as important as offense in life. Only no one sees it. It’s important to remember that some of the best influencers often go under the radar, but are game changers no less. I want to be one.

2. I am a history nerd. I love local research, research on social justice, and research on things overlooked in society. I’ve delved into issues like New England mills, gravestones, racism in the North, sports and equality, religion in Colonial era, a bunch of Russian and Soviet stuff, Cold War civil rights, and the origins of very old Japanese martial art that made its way to the United States during World War II. And sneezed in a lot of dusty archives.

3. I appreciate the people who were unkind to me in high school. They made me into the witty, fun, compassionate person I am today. Today, we take a zero tolerance policy toward bullying. I never tolerate it in my presence, but in my life, negative experiences often have had positive influence–I just have to look a little harder. They always teach a positive lesson. I’m grateful for that ability to see that.

4. I started this blog as a promise to a friend. And he had to beat me up to do it. I’m eternally grateful, because I’ve met many people who are truly amazing, and through them, I have chosen to try to reach that bar myself.

5. I have changed my views on life as a teacher. I was lucky to have had a top quality education, both in and out of the classroom. I never take that for granted. I want my students to have incredible lives. I want them to use their inner genius to be game-changers and innovators. And when they do, I hope that they’ll come back and give me free copies of their books or tickets to their TEDx talks.

6. I fired myself from my own business. This sounds harsh, but my husband is an entrepreneurial rock star–a true visionary. I had to learn to stomach the risk. I’m grateful to my many entrepreneurial friends who have taught me this lesson–your $5 copay is on the way. I am now truly enjoying the business he created and proud of its growth. Even though I have a career of my own, I think I’ll take him up on his requests to “employ” me as a staff writer. Everyone needs a staff writer. Even if it’s a writer who never shuts up.

7. I often pull posts so I won’t get myself into too much trouble. Sometimes, I’d like to talk about education and ed reform but it’s always safer to write about green beans, sustainability, or the silly musings of a five-year old and not fight windmills. Truth is, I should probably post more things that matter–the deep stuff. It’s not easy. More than once, a serious writer has told me to release a post–“You’ve got to bleed on the paper.” And maybe one day, I will. It’s that important to be real.

Fifteen people I nominate for this award: I read lots of blogs. Please consider reading these yourself. Some are touching, some are fiery, some are stepping-stones to books or other projects, but contain brilliant writing just the same.

My Nominees:

The Green Study tells simple stories about everyday life. And I love every one.

The Outdoor Canvas “Motorcycles, Hiking, Nature Photography, and Thoughts” is a blog about living the way life should be lived–outdoors, simply, and enjoying the gifts in the natural world.

Wonderful Buddha is serious and lighthearted at the same time. It contains some of my favorite poet-philosophers–Rumi, Kabir, Hafiz–swirled around with striking photography and a section of good, clean zen jokes.

BeeBee’s World is full of beautiful imagery that I read when I need a smile. My favorite post on this blog is still a short family history called “Legacy.”

The Altucher Confidential is by recovered economist James Altucher, currently writing on the topic of making life wonderful. He is indirectly responsible for the existence of this blog. I remember James’ writings from the old days, and quite honestly–though I’m a sucker for a political or economic pundit, I like the zen James better. James is also an author whose books you should read if you need to be lifted up just a bit.

Kamal Ravikant is an author, entrepreneur, and direct reason this blog exists. His blog Founder Zen has some amazing short pieces on it–the type that make me wish I wrote like that. Truth be told, however, you’ll really want to read his first book. The reason I say “first” is because I’m rooting for the many more I hope will follow.

Lesley Carter’s The Bucket List is a serious blog about adventure, family, and culture. She posts quite often, and through her I feel like I’ve done some living vicariously.

Pat Wood is a fiction writer extraordinaire. I love to read her stories, both mystical and realistic.

Simple Tangles–Benedicte’s blog about the her family, life, and her unwaverable spirit humbles me each time I read it.

The Room Mom–Caitlyn is a teacher, mom, and thoughtful crafty person whose ideas I love to steal for my class and life.

Elle’s blog Living with Passion has the theme “Forty Things to Do Before Forty.” It’s witty and energetic, and well worth a read.

Kat B’s travel blog, Travel, Garden, Eat has stunning pictures and experiences we all long to have.

Anna Boll’s blog, Creative Chaos tells about the life of a writer, mom, teacher, and illustrator. She is one of the most talented illustrators I know. You’ll be seeing a lot from her! She already won this award, but I’d pick her again.

Cool Cat Teacher Blog–Vicki Davis is a rock star. Anyone interested in education should be reading her blog.

28 Comments

What a wonderful vote of support! I love these lists. I read so much within my “circle of knowledge” to keep up with what is going on that sometimes I don’t venture into other circles. You list gives me ideas of other blogs to check out. (As if I should be wasting more time online. I’ll never produce any of the wonderful work you say I do!) I too, hold back on posts. Mostly political/philosophical. Maybe it’s time to make a second blog just for that. (Or at least another tab.)

Another tab. You know, I see the directions I am going–writing for real, it’s all ed/ed tech. Here, I enjoy writing about the things that pass by my consciousness on a daily basis. Sadly, the funniest, deepest, and most real either would involve a person who could be identified, which is a line I have drawn at this time–maybe some day when the stories can be removed and genericized but not today. As for the deep stuff, I’ll keep my promise on that one day. For now, it rests in a folder waiting it’s mission. Looking fwd to seeing your opus very, very soon!!!

Thank you very much for nominating me. I seem to be showered with awards at the moment which I am sure I do not deserve at all, but I am delighted that you enjoy what I write.
I may sit on this for a day or two – hope you don’t mind – because I’m short of time: currently the day job is intruding more than somewhat. Running a Pop Up Shop this week with silks and felts for sale – I’m a textile artist wannabe writer, but sometimes the textile artist bit has to come to the fore. I do need to eat!
So bear with me for a day or so and thank you once again for thinking of me. 🙂

You know, one day I realized that I would not be the person I am but for those experiences. I bring humor into life because I was forced to use it as a coping mechanism, now it’s something I enjoy. I realize that such people usually have bigger fish to fry in their own lives, and that I probably never was the target objective. Easier to move on that way:) Now, I can pass on that epiphany to kids I see struggling with it…

I’ll have to check out the ones on your list that I haven’t seen yet–I agree that Lesley’s Bucket List allows me to live vicariously and think about things I’d love to do someday, or be content seeing others do in pictures!

Bleeding on paper…I like that way of describing being real. I feel like there a few life experiences that are asking to appear in writing, but I’m not there yet, for the sake of myself and others around me. Someday?

I also love making those lists of random things that can often become subjects of much writing themselves! Keep writing!

What a nice treat to receive your nomination this morning! I am working on my “acceptance” post, which will take a few days. Report cards go home Tuesday for my students. Aaagh.

I already follow some of the blogs you listed above and some are good new finds. I love that part about blogging. You develop a little circle of blogging friends, and they lead you to other interesting blogs. Many, many thanks!

I have been thinking about your #7 — I, too, hope I have the guts to “bleed on the paper” some day. It is so easy to play it safe, not that I do not enjoy sharing the wonders and reflections of the world as I see it, but I do admire and respect those who leave themselves vulnerable with their written word and thoughts bared to the world for kudos and criticism. You are right, it isn’t easy. Perhaps we will surprise each other along the way, from time to time . . . Plenty of your posts have left room for deeper reflection, though, and it is appreciated. ~ Kat

Thanks, Kat. I do have that stuff–it’s written–it exists. It just doesn’t make it here–I’ll need to figure out where it goes eventually, and how it all fits together. You know who does this really, really well on my list is James and Kamal. James is in love with self-improvement and discussing the same with others. Though there are many, I enjoy sharing his posts on “How to Deal with Crappy People” with others–I can’t link in comments, so you’ll have to go to the sidebar in his blog. Kamal doesn’t write anything that’s not deep or bleeding on the paper–his book is well worth the read for adjusting priorities in life, but I like something on his blog called “I See You.” I also get so stuck in Benedicte’s blog, Simple Tangles because with all the situations she faces on a daily basis, she has the courage to write the way she does, push “publish” and keep on inspiring–just a regular person pushing the button. Yes, we’ll do it, too, Kat!

I took a quick peek at James before starting work here, and should have read “How to Deal with Crappy People” first (as opposed to the “why i don’t vote” post, which appears to have left the paper blood-soaked . . . but I am one of those big “get out and vote” people — especially for those local/state elections where popular vote does matter – – school board, perhaps?!) Some real gems of truth in the “Crappy People” post though! Will check out the others later, as well, and bookmarked your post to check out the list of your pay it forwards! Have a good one. ~ K

Yeah, he feels strongly about that. I, myself, disagree, because I think it’s my sacred right, and I will always vote, even if it’s to vote for none of the above. I almost think it’s a religious moment–makes me realize that even though the system doesn’t always support us, I consciously take time to remember that I should “be the change I want to see” (to quote Gandhi) if the system is broken.

Check him out for issues related to college alternatives, and using the creative idea muscles. He also speaks a great deal of good on the issue of making needed changes in life–career-wise and otherwise.

Thank you so much! I”m not sure I yet appreciate those who were mean to me as a child, but these are beautiful. Thank you very much for putting me on your list. I’m happy to be just a teacher. It is an honor to serve.

You know, Vicki, it gives me a different paradigm completely as a teacher–seeing the interactions, heading off the issues, and directing kids toward building up those who need that support instead of doing the opposite. I never would have had a fraction of the authenticity to do what I do without those experiences in my past. Sometimes it’s tempting to wish away “bad” experiences, when instead we should be seeing a gift:)

Aww… this is such a sweet post! Thank you for being such a sweet friend! And love, love, love your seven things about you! ^___^

And me, too, really don’t like those chain mails with a curse at the end. When I was younger and more timid I used to pass on the chain mail with an apology, stating that I was sorry but I felt bad being cursed. Nowadays I just don’t read it to start with, LOL. Next time if this were to happen to me again, I would write back to the person who passes it to me: “I understand how you feel, but I’m going to end this curse right here. I believe I am already blessed by not passing on curses.”

I never reply to them, but I secretly feel that if I didn’t see the curse, it can’t haunt my subconscious. Ridiculous, I know. I also don’t “repost if you…” on FB. I will retweet things of social and good value on Twitter. That’s not a chain, that’s spreading good news:)